The following text is adapted from a research methodology handbook. Dr. Martinez, a biochemist, spent months in her laboratory attempting...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from a research methodology handbook. Dr. Martinez, a biochemist, spent months in her laboratory attempting to synthesize a novel compound that could potentially treat autoimmune disorders. Through careful manipulation of molecular structures and precise control of reaction conditions, she successfully produced the desired therapeutic molecule.
As used in the text, what does the word "synthesize" most nearly mean?
Create
Analyze
Isolate
Observe
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Martinez, a biochemist, spent months in her laboratory attempting to synthesize a novel compound that could potentially treat autoimmune disorders." |
|
| "synthesize" |
|
| "Through careful manipulation of molecular structures and precise control of reaction conditions, she successfully produced the desired therapeutic molecule." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Martinez successfully created a new therapeutic compound through careful laboratory work.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Dr. Martinez's research objective to synthesize a new compound, then shows how her methodical approach led to successfully producing the desired therapeutic molecule.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at the context, Dr. Martinez is "attempting to synthesize a novel compound" and the passage tells us she "successfully produced the desired therapeutic molecule."
- The word "synthesize" is directly connected to producing or making something new.
- She's working in a lab, manipulating molecular structures to bring something into existence that didn't exist before.
- The right answer should capture the idea of making, creating, or producing something new through deliberate scientific processes.
Create
✓ Correct
- "Create" perfectly captures what Dr. Martinez is doing - making a new compound that didn't exist before.
- This matches the context where she's working to bring a novel therapeutic molecule into existence.
- The passage confirms success by saying she "produced" the molecule, which aligns with creating.
Analyze
✗ Incorrect
- "Analyze" means to examine or study something that already exists.
- Dr. Martinez isn't studying an existing compound - she's making a new one.
Isolate
✗ Incorrect
- "Isolate" means to separate something from other substances.
- The passage indicates she's creating something novel, not separating existing components.
Observe
✗ Incorrect
- "Observe" means to watch or notice something.
- Dr. Martinez is actively creating through "manipulation of molecular structures," not passively watching.